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Mainly: meaning, definitions and examples

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mainly

 

[ ˈmeɪnli ]

Adverb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Adverb

used to indicate the primary focus or purpose

Chiefly, principally, predominantly

Synonyms

chiefly, predominantly, principally.

Examples of usage

  • The book is mainly about friendship.
  • She mainly focuses on her career.
  • The event is mainly for charity.
Context #2 | Adverb

used to indicate mostly or for the most part

Mostly, primarily, largely

Synonyms

largely, mostly, primarily.

Examples of usage

  • The project is mainly completed.
  • He mainly enjoys reading.
  • The store mainly sells clothes.

Translations

Translations of the word "mainly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 principalmente

🇮🇳 मुख्य रूप से

🇩🇪 hauptsächlich

🇮🇩 terutama

🇺🇦 головним чином

🇵🇱 głównie

🇯🇵 主に

🇫🇷 principalement

🇪🇸 principalmente

🇹🇷 esas olarak

🇰🇷 주로

🇸🇦 بشكل رئيسي

🇨🇿 hlavně

🇸🇰 hlavne

🇨🇳 主要

🇸🇮 predvsem

🇮🇸 aðallega

🇰🇿 негізінен

🇬🇪 ძირითადად

🇦🇿 əsasən

🇲🇽 principalmente

Etymology

The word 'mainly' originated from the Middle English word 'main', which comes from the Old English 'mægen', meaning strength or force. Over time, 'mainly' evolved to its current usage as an adverb to indicate the primary focus or mostly. It has been in use for centuries to convey the central point or predominant aspect of something.

See also: main, mainland, mainstay, mainstream.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,626, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.